No doubt you would have seen the friendly face of Community Constable Brent Smith being visible in the Taradale CBD.

Brent has been a Police Officer for 20 years and has had a range of Policing experience including Frontline Response, Highway Patrol, Custody, Public Order and Investigation Support.  He has spent significant amount of time in supervisory positions in many of these roles.  Approximately two years ago, Brent took on the role as Taradale Community Constable, which covers the Taradale and Greenmeadows area.

This role consists of attending neighbourhood disputes, working with partner agencies, and providing support and advice for members of the public.   Community Constables deal with the 90% of the public that have little to no interaction with Police.

Outside of the Police, Brent is actively involved in the theatre industry as a Lighting Technician and is on the Executive Committee of the Napier Operatic Society.  He has one wife, two dogs, three children and three grandchildren.  In his spare time he enjoys riding his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle.

Brent would encourage retailers to consider the little things that they can do to make their stores safer.  Consider moving the till closer to the main door, having clear windows so you can be seen from outside, and install quality CCTV cameras.

Remember if an incident is happening NOW or has happened in the last few minutes, always call 111.

To report an incident which has already happened, call 105, or you will probably find it easier to report via the website at 105 Police Non-Emergency | New Zealand Police

Brent tries to spend time regularly patrolling in the Taradale CBD.  Feel free to give him a wave or have a chat when you see him.